Pakistan end Ireland World Cup dream

Ireland Women’s hopes of World Cup qualification were ended by Pakistan after they slid to an 86-run loss in their Super Six clash in Colombo.

Pakistan’s powerful batting line-up hit 36 boundaries as they racked up an imposing total of 271 for 5, based primarily around a second wicket stand of 136 in 25 overs between Javeria and Nahida Khan.

Javeria’s unbeaten 90 came from 104 balls and contained no fewer than 14 boundaries, punishing anything remotely loose, while Nahida’s powerful knock of 72 took just 76 balls (10 fours).

Nain Abidi chipped in with 44 as the Girls in Green found the going tough in the furnace-like conditions.

15 year-old Gaby Lewis (2-62) was the most successful of the Irish bowlers, while Amy Kenealy (1-23), Isobel Joyce (1-33) and Lucy O’Reilly (1-35) were the other successful bowlers.

Meg Kendal (8) went early in the run chase, but a second wicket stand of 74 between top scorer Cecelia Joyce (41) and Kim Garth (33) gave the Irish a solid platform.

However, both fell in successive deliveries and the Irish challenge faded as the required rate increased steadily.

Former skipper Isobel Joyce battled bravely with a defiant 33, but a brace of wickets for Sandhu (2-25), Mir (2-32) and Yousuf (2-45) saw Ireland dismissed for 185 with seven balls left.

While their World Cup dream may have been extinguished, they have the consolation of ODI status and will be looking to end the campaign on a high against South Africa on Sunday.
ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP QUALIFIER